Michael Dawson today insisted it was not only Rio Ferdinand breathing down his neck as he tries to cling onto his England place for next month's European Championship qualifier against Switzerland.

Dawson has started two of the last three internationals, including March's European qualifying Group G win in Wales, where he partnered John Terry after the Chelsea defender controversially reclaimed the captaincy from the injured Ferdinand.

Ferdinand has since returned to fitness, helping Manchester United clinch the Barclays Premier League title and reach this month's Champions League final.

But with Fabio Capello having expressed doubts over Ferdinand's suscepibility to injury, the England boss must now decide whether to recall him for the must-win game on June 4 or allow the Terry-Dawson partnership to develop.

But Dawson was adamant this afternoon that it is not a straight shootout between himself and Ferdinand against the Swiss, claiming Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill were all capable of ousting him from the team.

"There are also other top-class defenders in the country who are doing well," the Tottenham star said during a tour of the Heritage Museum of Vauxhall, who are official England sponsors.

"You look at Joleon, Jags, Gary Cahill, who are playing well.

"As an individual, you've got to concentrate on doing well and hopefully be in that squad for the Switzerland game. I hope I did enough against Wales to stake my claim.

"Obviously, when Rio comes back, he's world class, but all I'm concentrating on is hopefully doing well for my club and we'll see where it takes us."

Should Dawson get the nod, he would run out at Wembley for the first time since making his full England debut in September.

The 27-year-old's dream night transformed into a nightmare shortly after half-time when his leg collapsed horribly beneath him in a freak incident reminiscent of Michael Owen's horror injury at the 2006 World Cup.

Fortunately for Dawson, he was ruled out for only three months, although he did miss key games during Tottenham's unforgetable Champions League campaign.

"It was fantastic for me to pull the shirt on and start my first competitive game," he said. "But, unfortunately, it ended early on in the second half and I missed three months of the season, which was hard for me.

"Since I've come back just before Christmas, it's been a good second half of the season."

Locked together with Montenegro at the top of Group G, next month's game appears to be must-win for England, who must still travel to play their nearest rivals.

"It's very tight at the top," Dawson said. "Montenegro are doing well. We can only concentrate on what we're doing and hopefully get the three points against Switzerland."

Dawson could line up alongside Jack Wilshere and Andy Carroll on June 4, despite both having been named in the provisional squad for this summer's European Under-21 Championships.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger revealed today that Wilshere was definitely in the final 23, though there is doubt over Carroll's participation amid reports he is concerned over his fitness.

Wenger is opposed to Wilshere dropping back down to the Under-21s. Dawson refused to be drawn on the issue.

"It's a great honour to play for your country," he said. "Jack's had a long, hard season, but it's not for me to go into whether he should or whether he shouldn't."

Indeed, Dawson was far more concerned about adding to his four caps next month, adding: "There's no better feeling walking out with that England shirt on, the national anthem.